Business Details
17 Years
experience
Your Trusted Children's Bookshop in Hove
Established in 2009, Book Nook is a multi-award-winning independent children's bookshop located in Hove, East Sussex. Our mission is to connect children with high-quality, inclusive, and inspirational books through a carefully curated selection tailored to all age groups. We serve schools and families globally, offering expert recommendations and a personalised service that extends to ordering any in-print title with free delivery in Brighton and Hove. Our vibrant space includes a child-friendly caf, regular story times, and interactive author and illustrator events, featuring renowned names like Children's Laureates Chris Riddell and Julia Donaldson. The shop houses a pirate ship for imaginative play and collaborates with local schools and theatres to promote literacy through book fairs and educational initiatives.Our team, led by co-founders Julie Ward and Vanessa Lewis, combines decades of experience in publishing, education, and bookselling to foster a love of reading. We host weekly craft sessions, book-themed days, and the Review Crewa team of young reviewers who share their literary insights. The Little Nook Caf provides a welcoming environment for families, serving snacks, drinks, and themed lunchboxes. Recognised as Children's Bookseller of the Year in 2012, 2015, and 2018, we remain committed to creating a community hub where books inspire creativity and lifelong learning.
Services
Children's Book Sales
Author Events
Story Time Sessions
School Book Fairs
Art Gallery Exhibitions
Caf Service
Book Recommendations
Craft Workshops
Signed Book Orders
Local Author Promotion
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We have won Children's Bookseller of the Year three times at industry awards.
- Our team includes former teachers and publishing experts with deep book knowledge.
- We host exclusive author events and workshops with award-winning illustrators.
- We offer free delivery within Brighton and Hove for all book orders.
- We collaborate with schools to provide tailored book packs and literacy support.
What people say
Perfect place to visit
Community of young book lovers
Knowledgeable and helpful staff
Encourages children to read
Vibrant event space
Services
Children's Book Sales
We offer a diverse range of children's books for all ages, from picture books to young adult titles. Our staff provide expert recommendations to match reading abilities and interests. Books are available for purchase in-store, online, and through school-specific orders.
Author Events
Regular author and illustrator visits include workshops, signings, and live drawing sessions. Past events have featured Children's Laureates and award-winning creators, fostering direct engagement between readers and literary professionals.
Story Time Sessions
Weekly story times introduce young children to books through interactive readings. Sessions are designed to build early literacy skills and create a joyful, communal reading experience for families.
School Book Fairs
We organise book fairs and supply topic-specific book packs for schools. Our team collaborates with educators to curate resources that align with curricula and promote reading for pleasure.
Art Gallery Exhibitions
Original illustrations and prints from children's book artists are showcased in our gallery. Exhibitions feature local talent and provide a tangible connection to beloved stories through visual art.
People
Vanessa Lewis
Co-Founder
A former English teacher and BA Children's Bookselling Group member, Vanessa specialises in library curation and children's literature advocacy. She has judged numerous literary awards and drives community engagement initiatives.
Julie Ward
Co-Founder
With a background in publishing, Julie organises author events and school partnerships. She focuses on promoting reading through creative collaborations and has over a decade of experience in children's literature.
Ali Ross
Bookseller
A former primary teacher, Ali curates picture books and non-fiction resources. She leads story time sessions and specialises in finding age-appropriate texts for educational topics.
Lara Ward-Lewis
Social Media Assistant
As the team's youngest member, Lara manages social media content and provides insights on young adult literature. She ensures digital platforms reflect the shop's vibrant community engagement.
Questions
What age groups do your books cater to?
We stock books for children from birth to young adults, including picture books, early readers, middle-grade, and teen titles.
Can I order books not displayed in-store?
Yes, we can order any in-print children's or adult book and arrange delivery or collection with free local delivery.
Do you host events for schools?
We organise author visits, book fairs, and literacy workshops specifically for schools, collaborating closely with educators on curriculum-linked resources.
Is there a café on-site?
The Little Nook Café offers snacks, drinks, and themed lunchboxes in a family-friendly space with a pirate ship play area.
How can I stay updated on events?
Follow our social media channels or sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on author visits, story times, and special promotions.
Do you sell signed books?
Yes, we offer signed bookplates, personalised editions, and exclusive pre-orders with many titles available for direct author-signed copies.
